Daily Archives: November 16, 2012

Richard Everett Hartley Sr., 80, died on Thursday, November 8, 2012. He was born June 30, 1932 in Jacksonville to the late Everett and Juanita Woodcock Hartley. Richard was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force with 20 years of service as a master crew chief on B-52 bombers. He was an avid Gator fan, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by all.

Mr. Hartley is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phlou; son Richard Hartley Jr. (Pam) of Glen St. Mary; grandchildren Melissa Elliott (Joshua) and Stacey Hartley; great-grandchild Harlow Elliott; a host of other relatives and friends.

Justin Freeman of Sanderson is about to play one of the biggest shows of his young country music career in Gainesville.

Mr. Freeman, 30, preformed before to his largest audience at the Suwannee River Jam in 2011 opening for Blackberry Smoke, and also takes the stage at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood and the Country Club Lounge in Macclenny on occasion.

Mr. Freeman began his full-time music career in 2009 after a tumultuous period in his life. He lost his job as a graphic designer after eight years and went through a divorce.

“When everything was falling apart, or so it seemed, I was able to focus my attention on writing and producing,” said the budding singer-songwriter in an interview with The Press.

“It definitely helped me move on and get through one of the toughest times of my life. Music is the thing that can get people through any situation. I hope someone hears some of my songs and can relate and know they aren’t alone in their situation,” he said.

Mr. Freeman recalled one instance when a U.S. soldier approached him after a show about his song, “Since You’ve Been Gone.”

Thomas J. (T.J.) Parks, 90, died Sunday, August 12, 2012 in Jacksonville. He was born February 14, 1922 in Donalsonville, Georgia to Charles and Lizzie Parks and lived in Macclenny for several years. Thomas loved the great outdoors, especially fishing. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by wife Gladys, son David, a brother and sister. He is survived by sons Bobby, Lamar, Rufus, Mickey, Terry and Fred; daughters Betty Davis, Shirley Wiest and Faye Flick; 21 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Rema Parker, 88, of Glen St. Mary died Tuesday, August 7, 2012. Born in Perry, FL to the late William and Victoria Padgett Parker, he has been a Baker County resident since 1968. A World War II Navy veteran, Mr. Parker was aboard the fifth ship into Tokyo when Japan surrendered. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, building things, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by sons Douglas Parker of Glen St. Mary, Steve (Wanda) Parker and Barry (Alice) Parker, both of Jacksonville, and Wayne (Wanda) Parker of Macclenny; daughters Maria Parker of Jacksonville and Evelyn Parker of Sanderson; sister Ruth Cribbs of Live Oak; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; his loyal sidekick “Pistol.”